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War History Online
The USS West Virginia (BB-48) Made An Incredible Comeback In The Pacific Theater After Being Sunk At Pearl Harbor
By June Steele,
5 days ago
The USS West Virginia (BB-48) was one of many American battleships stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Although she was sunk in the Pearl Harbor attack, the ship was impressively salvaged and later played a main role in Allied operations against the Japanese, successfully avenging the destruction caused to Hawaii by enemy forces.
The vessel boasted a formidable armament of eight 16-inch .45-caliber guns; sixteen five-inch .51-caliber guns; an anti-aircraft battery of eight three-inch .50-caliber guns; and two 21-inch torpedo tubes. On top of this, West Virginia 's armor was notable, with a belt thickness of up to 13.5 inches, turret faces of 18 inches and a conning tower with 16-inches of protection, making the ship a floating fortress.
The vessel was designed with advanced watertight compartmentation, enhancing her survivability in combat. These features combined later proved crucial during West Virginia 's service in World War II , particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor .
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS West Virginia was moored at Battleship Row , near the USS Tennessee (BB-43), at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese launched their attack. The vessel was hit by seven Type 91 torpedoes and two 16-inch bombs, causing severe damage. Despite the devastation, the ship's assistant fire control officer, Lt. Claude V. Ricketts, initiated counter-flooding measures, which prevented West Virginia from capsizing.
Several crewmen distinguished themselves that morning. US Navy cook Doris "Dorie" Miller took control of an unmanned anti-aircraft gun on the vessel and helped move injured sailors to safety. West Virginia 's commander, Capt. Mervyn S. Bennion, put his men before himself during the assault, despite being mortally wounded by shrapnel from Tennessee . He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor .
Tragically, three sailors - Ronald Endicott, Clifford Olds and Louis "Buddy" Costin - were trapped in an airtight storeroom and survived for 16 days within the vessel, surviving off of emergency rations. A calendar was later found near their bodies, with the days December 7-23 crossed off in red pencil.
After the attack, West Virginia was re-floated and underwent extensive repairs. She was also modernized, which saw new radar and better anti-aircraft guns installed, as well as the widening of her hull , preparing her for a return to active service in 1944.
Seeing action in the Pacific Theater
The USS West Virginia 's return to action was marked by her involvement in the Battle of Leyte in the latter part of 1944. As part of Task Group 77.2 (TG 77.2), she played a crucial role in the shore bombardment of Japanese positions on the island.
Following the action at Surigao Strait, West Virginia went on to participate in the American landings on Mindoro Island and Luzon .
USS West Virginia (BB-48) bombarded the coast of Iwo Jima
In February 1945, the USS West Virginia was dispatched to assist the Fifth Fleet during the American campaign on Iwo Jima . The battleship was vital in providing artillery support to the US Marines landing on the island, targeting Japanese fortifications, blockhouses, and artillery positions with its powerful 16-inch guns. These actions effectively neutralized enemy defenses, aiding the progress of ground forces.
Despite sustaining damage from a small artillery shell that injured one sailor, the West Virginia continued her bombardment duties, showcasing the unwavering dedication of its crew. The vessel's support was crucial in the eventual capture of Iwo Jima.
Fire support and kamikaze defense off the coast of Okinawa
The USS West Virginia 's next major engagement was the Battle of Okinawa , in April 1945. The ship was part of Task Force 54 (TF 54) and provided pre-landing bombardment and fire support for the landing forces.
On April 1, her superstructure was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in four deaths and seven injuries. Despite this, she kept on her mission undeterred. Her anti-aircraft guns were crucial in defending against additional kamikaze attacks, and her 16-inch guns provided effective support for ground operations.
West Virginia remained off Okinawa following the initial action, delivering fire support and repelling air attacks until the island was secured.
What happened to the USS West Virginia (BB-48) after World War II?
In 1959, West Virginia was sold for scrap - however, several parts were preserved. One of the battleship's anti-aircraft guns is displayed in Parkersburg, West Virginia, while her wheel and binnacle are at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk.
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